Interfax
October 28

Uzbekistan's Navoi Mining and Metals Combine (Kyzylkumredmetzoloto) is pursuing a program to develop its gold mining operations in the period to 2010 with an eye to increasing gold output by 20% over 2002 figures, general director Nikolai Kuchersky said.

Kuchersky, speaking at a mining and exploration conference in Tashkent, did not give exact figures.

The company plans to partially overhaul and update the No. 2 hydrometallurgical plant at the Zerafshan gold recovery mill, which is expected to increase ore processing to 29 million tonnes by 2006, from 27.5 million tonnes in 2003.

By 2007, the company intends to overhaul the Muruntau open-cast gold mine, which will increase ore removal to 30 million-40 million tonnes per year from the current 27.5 million-28 million, Kuchersky said.

At the Uchkuduk gold recovery complex, there are plans for a gradual increase in gold production with the merger of the Kokpatas and Daugistau deposits and processing of sulfide ores. Gold production here is targeted to jump 270% by 2008 from the 2002 figure.

The Mardzhanbulak mine is expected to increase production of oxidized ores to 600,000 tonnes per year, which will keep the gold recovery mill running at capacity until 2008. The mill will then shift to sulfide-arsenic ore.

Deep mining at the Zarmitan mine will be increased to 100,000 tonnes of ore this year.

Kuchersky said the combine has increased gold production by 25% since 1991. Including the Zerafshan-Newmont joint venture, growth has measured 55%. Ore processing has increased from 20 million to 31.9 million tonnes in this period.

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